Historic first takeoff: Joby Aviation’s air taxi soars high at Dubai Airshow

Dubai: Dubai witnessed a glimpse of the future as Joby Aviation’s electric air taxi made its debut at the Dubai Airshow with a 10-minute demonstration ahead of its operational launch next year.

According to a top official at Joby Aviation, it marked a historic milestone for the US-based electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) manufacturer as their first air taxi to fly at an international airshow.

“It's the first time an eVTOL ever flies in an international airshow. And we’re doing it right here in Dubai with our aircraft. So, it’s a testament to Dubai, it's a testament to our aircraft capabilities, and to the regulatory framework that we've had here in Dubai. It’s massive milestone,” Anthony Khoury, General Manager – UAE, Joby Aviation, told Gulf News.

While other aircraft put on booming flyovers, Joby’s flight made a strikingly silent appearance – a nod to its quiet, zero-emission design. The aircraft performed a smooth 10-minute demonstration, highlighting its take-off, hover, and landing capabilities. Visitors watching the air taxi in flight for the first time were left in awe as the aircraft hovered motionless for a few seconds, showcasing its advanced technology.

Joby is pushing to transform urban mobility in Dubai and beyond with this cutting-edge, low-noise air taxi service. Each Joby eVTOL is designed to carry one pilot and up to four passengers, the company said. It can reach speeds of up to 200 mph, with minimal noise and zero operating emissions.

Thanks to its range and speed, the eVTOL could connect key points across the UAE. For example, passenger flights from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Palm Jumeirah, which typically take 45 minutes by car, could be cut down to just 10–12 minutes.

“We’re very excited for our progress with Dubai. I would just add that it wasn't able without our amazing partners. So, we work very closely with the RTA, with the GCAA, with the DCAA to bring this all together. We've seen an amazing leadership coming from Dubai, a visionary leadership that is bringing all of these stakeholders, both private and public, to make this dream a reality,” Khoury noted.

Joby has secured exclusive rights for six years from RTA to operate its air taxi service. The RTA recently confirmed the first crewed eVTOL flight between two separate Dubai locations – from a test site in Margham to Al Maktoum International Airport. Commercial operations are expected to start in 2026.

Visitors to the Dubai Airshow can catch the live demonstration throughout the week.